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CARLOS Cuellar has added another awards double to his personal trophy collection after a fantastic first season at Ibrox. Carlos CuellarThe big defender picked up the club's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow tonight. 26-year-old Cuellar had already been named as the top performer in Scotland by SPL sponsors Clydesdale Bank and the Scottish Football Writers' Association. Now the Spaniard has been recognised by his light blues team mates and thousands of fans from around the world who voted for him as their top Gers star last season. He said: "It was fantastic to be voted the Player of the Year for Scotland and to be voted for by the Rangers' fans is special too." Walter Smith has been delighted with his defender's first season at Ibrox and says Cuellar is a deserving winner. Smith said: "Carlos has been a terrific signing for us. I think he came to us at the right time in his career and he has played exceptionally well for us both domestically and in Europe. "Sometimes it's easier for players who come from abroad to show up better in the European matches because the SPL games are different to what they are used to. "But Carlos has handled both with great aplomb and he is fully deserving of his awards." John Fleck16-year-old John Fleck picked up the Young Player of the Year trophy after playing a key role in another double for Billy Kirkwood's youth team. Fleck scored on the club's recent pre season tour of Germany and will be hoping to make the step up to Smith's first team more regularly this season. At the opposite end of the age range in Smith's squad is the winner of the John Greig Achievement Award, Davie Weir. Cuellar's centre back partner managed over 60 games for Rangers and further appearances at international level - a fantastic achievement for a player who turned 38 before the end of last season. Weir played a crucial role alongside Cuellar as Rangers enjoyed an incredible run to the UEFA Cup final in Manchester. Steven Whittaker scoresAnd it was that competition that would produce the pick of the club's goals last term as Steven Whittaker collected the Carling Fans' Goal of the Season award for his strike against Sporting Lisbon. Whittaker's mazy run and finish to cap a fantastic performance in Lisbon will live long in the memory of every fan that travelled to Portugal for the quarter final clash. It was a popular winner, edging out other Euro strikes from Charlie Adam and Daniel Cousin and domestic goals from Barry Ferguson and Lee McCulloch.

JOHN FLECK says he's ignoring all the hype about him after he scored his first goal for Rangers on Wednesday night. John FleckThe 16-year-old broke his Light Blues duck when he grabbed the clincher six minutes from the end of the 3-1 friendly win over Sportfreunde Lotte. Big things are expected from Fleck, whose double proved decisive in last season's Youth Cup final win against Celtic at Hampden. But he isn't paying any attention to it the anticipation of others and is focused only on playing his way into Walter Smith's first-team plans now. Fleck said: "I just let all of that bypass me and allow people to keep talking. I'm sure there folk are a few out there who don't like me as well. "I feel I've learned a lot in the last 12 months but all that matters now is that I keep doing what I'm doing. "I don't know what will happen this season but I'll just keep working hard and doing my best to get into the squad. "A few of the young lads have a chance of being involved because of the SPL's under-21 rule but if I keep doing what I'm doing, hopefully that'll be enough for me." Fleck was thrilled to find the net against Lotte, his goal coming after a lay-off from debutant Andrius Velicka.John Fleck But it says much about the high standards he sets himself that he feels he should have got on the scoresheet much sooner than he did. Fleck added: "Obviously it was great for me to start and for the team to win. I should probably have had three or four goals but it was still good to score one. "With the first couple of chances I had, I was still nervous as it was early in the game and I hit them straight away. "I was unlucky with another one but the last one sat up well and I was really pleased that it went in." Fleck is relishing his opportunity to work with Smith's squad here in Holland and in Germany this week. He was also involved in last summer's pre-season tour, making a brief appearance in the 4-2 win over SV Lippstadt as a replacement for Nacho Novo. But having just completed a top-team game for the first time, the teenager believes he is making progress and few would disagree. Boyd congratulates Fleck after his great strikeFleck said: "It is great being away with the team this week. This is all I ever wanted to do and after being part of the group at this stage last year, it is good to be here again. "Last summer, I got a few minutes in one of the matches but now I've just played a full game and hopefully I'll just keep progressing now. "Getting that long on the pitch with the boys is only going to help me. I might feel a bit tired afterwards but it can only be good for the future. "People are stronger and tougher than me at this level and when I'm working with the first team, they move the ball about a lot quicker but I'm getting used to that."

Not seen to much of him other than the Utd game but there has only ever been good things said about him and his attitude. I'd love the likes of Furman and Fleck to feature a bit more, despite their ages. Weather WS will do that or not, I dont know. He doesnt really have the best track record giving youth a chance. Durrant is probably the most glaring example, but Im certain that it was Sounedd who saw the potential there and gave him his start and made him a regular. As I said, we have the possibility of th=wo gems there and they really need a chance.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=648&Itemid=1 After last weekââ?¬â?¢s playing staff report cards, itââ?¬â?¢s time to move onto some analysis of the management team. Walter Smith is certainly the main man here so, while Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall have played their part and deserve to share in any praise/criticism, Iââ?¬â?¢ll concentrate on Walter. First off, I think we have to give praise where praise is due. When Smith took over in January 2007, the club were struggling badly, hadnââ?¬â?¢t won a trophy in over 2 years and the dressing room appeared split under the disastrous Paul Le Guen reign. The new manager identified the immediate problems and via some important signings begun the task of re-building. When he took over Smith was always at pains to say this would take time. He wanted to make the team difficult to beat first and foremost then move forward from there. In the latter part of season 2006/07, he did that ââ?¬â?? beating Celtic twice ââ?¬â?? and generally giving the fans something to buy into last summer. Further investment in the playing squad to the tune of Ã?£12million meant the chairman was also buying into this second Smith tenure in a way he didnââ?¬â?¢t with Le Guen. The signings Smith did make were greeted with conservativeness by the bulk of the support. Thomson and Weir (who arrived in January), followed by Beasley, Darcheville, Cousin, Gow, Broadfoot, Carroll, Whittaker, McCulloch, Cuellar and Naismith were interesting signings but none really captured the imagination of the support. Nonetheless, a large number of players did come in and the squad did look an improved one ââ?¬â?? if lacking in an immediate sense of excitement. The season started well. Championsââ?¬â?¢ League Group Stage qualification secured meant the risky financial gamble on MIH revolving credit facilities had been a successful one. A strengthening title bid and a decent CL campaign resulting in European football after Xmas suggested the club was back on the right track. What would 2008 bring? The answer was a European run none of us would have dreamt of, followed by the kind of disappointment that means the fans are once again nursing their depression during the close season. The Scottish Cup and CIS Cup wins were scarce reward for a roller-coaster season. Is our depression warranted then or should we concentrate on the positives ââ?¬â?? difficult as it may be after such a mentally exhausting season? A bit of both is how Iââ?¬â?¢d like to approach Smithsââ?¬â?¢ rating. Letââ?¬â?¢s concentrate on the negatives first. Despite the obvious problems with fixture congestion in the latter part of the season, it was a crushing blow to not win the SPL title. To lose a ten point lead in little over 6 weeks is unacceptable and Walter Smith must share responsibility for that. His inconsistent approach to team selection, personnel rotation and an overly defensive playing style meant while we were securing fine results in Europe, at home we could barely beat teams home or away. Quite simply because we were so defensive in Europe, we couldnââ?¬â?¢t switch to a more attacking frame of mind domestically when required. This resulted in the dropping of points which was unsustainable if we were to win the league. Essentially, as we did in Europe, Smith tried to defend his SPL lead as opposed to develop it via a fresh approach in terms of players and system on return from our UEFA Cup duties. Add in doubtful loyalty to under-performing players such as Broadfoot, Ferguson, McCulloch and Cousin then we had a team that was stumbling from game to game as opposed to striding through them. The style of play was bland, uninspiring, easy for opposition teams to play against and generally not good enough. Walter Smith canââ?¬â?¢t take the sole blame for losing the title thereafter but neither can he hide from it. What was obvious as the season went on was the distinct lack of creativity quality in the side. Injuries to our creative players (Beasley, Naismith and Burke) meant our direct style would be the norm despite indications earlier in the season that we could play attractive attacking football. Some fans advocated the return of Buffel or the introduction of Gow, Furman or Fleck to bring back some flair to the side but the fleeting glimpse in the less important games was our lot. We paid with this absence of a creative edge with the loss of the title. Of course there are mitigating reasons for Smithââ?¬â?¢s reluctance to be flexible. The number of games was unprecedented and unexpected. The fringe players available were hardly match-sharp, reliable or experienced. Changing the system too often could result in even more problems. We were still getting some positive results so why drop players? All these points are valid and should be considered when one questions the manager. We can also add in all the positives from the campaign. There are manyââ?¬Â¦. Walter Smith takes a lot of criticism for not being the type of manager who bloods younger players. I think that last season blew that theory out of the water. While we may not be playing the real youth per se - guys all 24 or under have formed the bulk of the team for large parts of the season. Broadfoot, Hutton, Davis, Whittaker, Thomson, Burke, Adam, Beasley and Naismith all played important parts in the squad while Smith also introduced Furman and Fleck into the first team. Even players like Cuellar, Papac and McGregor still have their best years ahead of them. The future of the squad is bright and Iââ?¬â?¢m confident that if a player is good enough, theyââ?¬â?¢ll play no matter their age. The next positive is one that has been missed in certain peopleââ?¬â?¢s haste to give our team the ridiculous anti-football label. Sure, at times we were too defensive and deserved criticism for that. However, every football team has to play to its strengths and our strength last season was our defence by far. Losing Alan Hutton and Alan McGregor reduced that effectiveness but the manner in which we defended in Europe is worthy of great praise. For many years people have wanted Scottish teams to be more mature, measured and intelligent in their approach to European matches and thereââ?¬â?¢s no doubt we achieved that to a reasonable extent last season. Add in some of the impressive results we did have last season - wins against the French and German champions, wins against other first class European opposition, wins against Celtic and our domestic cup successes means Smith can deliver in key games. The platform is there. All in all, I think we have to be measured in our analysis of the manager last season. I certainly donââ?¬â?¢t blame anyone for being wary for the future. Many of us remember Smithââ?¬â?¢s stubbornness and loyalty causing friction in his first spell at the club. Smithââ?¬â?¢s sides will always be more workmanlike than glamorous. Will he really ask difficult questions of Sir David Murray to ensure the club move forward again? Can he recover from the loss of the SPL title? To conclude, Walter Smith has achieved what he set out to do 18 months ago. Rangers are a difficult side to beat and we are now winning things again. The next stage is now even more important. Smith must bring genuine quality back to the first XI. Yes, weââ?¬â?¢ll need a small turnover of squad players (hence Kenny Miller) but we still require 3 top level signings on top of that - another defender, a creative player (wide or central) and a striker. If Smith can provide those imperative additions to the team then perhaps some of the recent criticism of what was still a decent season will be tempered somewhat. If not, then I doubt many fans will tolerate another season of defensive route one play with no title at the end of it. Neither would I blame them. Thus, the jury remains out then. Itââ?¬â?¢s up to Walter to show us he is the man to take us forward. We should get behind him to ensure that does happen. Walter Smith - 7

Whats everyones realistic ideal XI next season including signings? We'd need to choose a formation. I cant see us getting a class creative player to move things to a 4-4-2 so id expect a 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 (which can be 4-2-3-1 aswell). Firstly I hope McGregor stays. Alexander is good back up but I wouldnt be over happy if he was our no.1 In defence we are all praying for Carlos to stay and I think he will. But with Weir not prepared to be a back up we need a new centre half. Webster could be the man but he has a lot to prove. At left back Papac and S Smith are fine here, hopefully we get the same from Papac as this season plus it would be great to see Smith get his pre-injury form back. Right back is a bit troubled for us. Lowing has never really came on and Whittaker gets preferred in midifield. Id start Whittaker and give him a run of games there. Broadfoot is a tryer but simple not good enough. Midfield - Hemdani looks to be on his way out so we can rule him out. Dailly is expected to stay so should be good cover. Thomson needs to take 1 step further next season but we need a player to compliment him. Barry Ferguson is on last chance saloon with some bears. Its not good playing superb 1 game then below average for 7 games, also he seems blameless and an auto pick whatever - something i dont like! If we could get someone better id be happy. Steven Davis may sign on which would be fine. In the wide positions id make Beasley first pick on the left with McCulloch as his back up. Adam would be 3rd choice. Novo would start on the right as we just dont have anyone else for that role at the moment. Strikers - Darcheville will currently be first pick with Boyd as his back up. Cousin and Sebo will be off the books and Naismith is injured. So we now need a striker or 2. Youngsters - I hope to see Furman, Lennon and Fleck step up and get more first team action next season. If you are good enough you are old enough, but I fear WS wont play them too much. Signings - Hopefully we dont need a keeper. But we possibly need a right back along with a centre half in defence. We need a central midfielder who knows how to break a defence down and a right sided player. 2 strikers will be needed aswell. Injured - Naismith and Burke will be out until 2009 So we can have a couple of teams like the following: ____________________McGregor____________________ Whittaker_____(Webster)_______Cuellar_________Papac Novo_________Ferguson________Thomson_____Beasley _______________________(Lovenkrands)_____________ ____________________Darcheville___________________ Back up: ____________________Alexander_____________________ New__________Broadfoot________New____________Smith New________Davis/Furman________Dailly__________McCulloch/Adam ___________Boyd/Fleck______New/Lennon____________ Obviously if we get players in who havent been mentioned they will fit into that systems, the above is just possibly realistic.

Hey, We are the CIS cup and Scottish Cup champions....but it still doesn't mask the disappointment of missing out on winning the SPL aswell as the UFEA cup. Who would you have liked to seen used more frequently by Walter smith/Ally McCoist from the Rangers reserve and youth teams? A number of players were on the bench for alot of games such as furman, lennon, fleck etc but werent used by management and I would like to hear the fans' view on these players and on others who are up and coming.

BILLY KIRKWOOD'S Rangers under-19 side is showing as much spirit as Walter Smith's first team after their 2-0 win over Dundee United yesterday. Isa BagciThe youths beat the Arabs at Glenesk Park with goals either side of half-time from Isa Bagci and captain Andrew Shinnie. Collecting another three points takes the young Gers a step closer to retaining the SPL title they won last year. When they will have a chance to claim the trophy once more is unclear because of the situation regarding Gretna and their remaining fixtures. If the Borders side is unable to fulfil them and points won against them are removed from the standings, nearest challengers Hibs would move three points closer to Rangers. Regardless, Kirkwood's team could win the league on Monday when they take on United again at Murray Park, although Friday's clash with Motherwell is a more likely date. Yesterday's victory was all about grit and determination and the manager was delighted with the application his men showed.Andrew Shinnie Kirkwood said: "It was an exceptional team performance. Every single player, including the subs who went on, showed real desire and resilience. "Without playing fantastic football, there wasn't a single failure and that was the most pleasing thing. "We have still got a wee bit of work to do, but only because we don't know the situation with Hibs. "Our result yesterday puts us nine points ahead of Celtic, who only have three games left, and we have a superior goal difference to theirs. "That means Hibs are probably our only realistic challengers and if we can win on Monday then take a point next Friday, that could clinch it." RANGERS: S. Gallacher, McLachlan, Kinniburgh, Perry, Harvey, Ness, Stirling (Hutton), Shinnie, Bagci (Little), Fleck, Efrem (Durie).

RANGERS are through the semi-finals of the Scottish Youth Cup after John Fleck's goal gave them a 1-0 win over Hearts at Riccarton today. The 16-year-old's strike after an hour means Billy Kirkwood's Light Blues have reached the last four having scored 24 goals and conceded none in their defence of the trophy. It was a hard-fought encounter in Edinburgh and after an entertaining 4-2 Gers win against the Jambos at the weekend, defences were on top on this occasion. The visitors could have gone ahead as early as the second minute, when Steven Kinniburgh's cross hit the bar. Andrew Shinnie also had three good opportunities for Kirkwood's kids before the break but couldn't find a way past the home side's 14-year-old goalkeeper Shaun Thomson. It wasn't until after the interval that Rangers broke the deadlock and within minutes of Andrew Little's introduction as a substitute they went ahead. Giorgos Efrem crossed low from the left and Fleck took a touch before sliding the ball inside the keeper's post to give them an advantage. Hearts tried to hit back and stuck the woodwork themselves through striker Gary Glen as they pushed for an equaliser. The Gorgie side couldn't level though and Gers now progress to the semis, with their tie against yet-to-be-determined opponents due to be played on March 30. RANGERS: Gallacher, McLachlan, Kinniburgh, Wilson, Harvey, Stirling, Kindbendiksen, Shinnie, Bagci (Little 55), Fleck, Efrem. Everything looking promising. Not conceding a goal yet having scored 24 is a wonderful record.

Am i right in saying Dailly and Davis are our only loan players at the moment? Or is Alexander on loan aswell? Anyway, why do loan players seem to get ahead of players we actually own? In Davis case he may have a wee bit more to offer and could potentially sign for us in the summer, but Dailly should be a stop gap. They may both be away in 3 months time. Whats wrong with giving appearances to players we own that are young or coming through our youth system (Lennon, Furman, Fleck) or players who deserve a regular game and those who we should be putting in shop window to try and get good deals for them (Gow, Buffel). With such a hectic period going on (which is only going to continue in the next 5 weeks) and a number of first team player struggling for form (McCulloch, Ferguson, Hemdani, Weir to an extent) then these players need match practice incase first team picks get injured. Surely WS has to make some changes for Gretna on Sunday??

RANGERS Reserves will play in their first league match for almost two months when they face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tonight and Christian Dailly is set to make his first appearance in a blue jersey. Stevie SmithThe Scotland international will start alongside Andy Webster in the centre of defence with Alan Lowing and Steven Smith (left) being utilised at right and left back respectively. Graeme Smith, Amdy Faye, Alan Gow, and Nacho Novo will also feature alongside Murray Park starlets Jordan McMillan, Dean Furman and John Fleck. The Reserves last competitive fixture came against Falkirk on December 4 and Ian Durrant's players will be desperate to kickstart their season in Ayrshire. Rangers currently sit fourth in the league with Killie only two points behind so this evening's game, which will kick-off at 7pm, is important to both clubs and should provide an entertaining 90 minutes of football.

As the RST links with Rangers Youth Development continue to get closer both organisations have come up with an idea to get more information from the guys who work within the youth set-up. Over the next couple of weeks the RST will have a chance to ask questions to the following people. Colin Stewart: Director of Operations, Rangers FC Development Fund Satty Singh: Director Rangers FC Development Fund Jimmy Sinclair: Director of Murray Park Craig Mulholland: Youth Development Billy Kirkwood: Rangers U19 Coach John Fleck: Member of the U19 squad Andrew Shinnie: Member of the U19 squad We would like to give Gersnet members the chance to tell us the questions that they would like asked. All you have to do is send an email to scottrst@hotmail.co.uk with your question and whom the question is for. Please ask as many questions as you like. Once we have your questions answered we will list all the answers on our website.

Good to see him get a chance.

Phew... http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Yo guys. now on my 4th season of fm08 with gers and im afraid to say its getting grim. No more TOTL by 10 points in sept its TOTL by goal difference now basically cause players like ferguson, novo, Mcculloch, hemdani and lots of others just aren't cutting it any more at the top level. Dont get me wrong iv had alot of youngsters who have came through nicely to produce some good football like, john fleck, dean furman, lennon and shinnie etc but they aren't European class footballers and the don't have the flare to get me TOTL by a comfy margin. Any suggestions for my self and all the other fm players out there of who to buy. Im looking for young affordable players who turn into real world class footballers. Cheers guys

STEVIE LENNON has given himself a two-year target to become a top team player with Rangers. Lennon, who will be 20 in January, has just signed a new deal that ties him to the club until 2010. Steven LennonHe feels - and it is widely felt - that he could do a job with another SPL side but he is determined to make the breakthrough at Rangers. Others have moved on - like Steven McLean, Ross McCormack and Bob Davidson - but Lennon is convinced he can make the grade. The reserve striker said: "You can't be too impatient when you are at a massive club like Rangers. "I could probably go out and play for another club in the SPL but it's Rangers I want to be at. "I'm willing to wait for my chance and I'm sure it will come. "I'm delighted to sign a new deal. It keeps me here for another two years and gives me the chance to continue my development and hopefully make the step up from the reserves to the first team.Steven Lennon "I'm happy with the way things are going right now and I just have to wait for my chance. "I have had the chance to play in a few matches, sit on the bench and also train with the first team which is fantastic. "Simply working with guys like Davie Weir, Lee McCulloch and Barry Ferguson is terrific and you learn so much. Their experience rubs off. "As a young boy you have to keep things simple when you're round there but at the same time you want to try to get yourself noticed so you have to try a few things." Lennon is one of a number of young players who look to have the potential to go all the way at Ibrox. Dean Furman, Ross Perry, Rory Loy and Alan Lowing have all signed new deals recently while there are high hopes for Andy Shinnie, Paul Emslie and John Fleck. He was a key player in the under-19 side that won a League and Cup double last season and is now developing further with Ian Durrant and Tommy Wilson in the reserve team. He added: "The manager is always looking to strengthen up front but hopefully he can give me a few chances to come off the bench in the coming months and I can start scoring goals for the first team."

Thomas Buffel was the inspiration for the reserves today as Rangers beat Inverness 4-2. Buffel was involved in three of the goals and scored one as the reserves cruised to a comfortable win. The Belgian was involved in 21 min when he and strike partner Stevie Lennon combined to set up Chris Burke who drove the ball home. Then in 42 min Buffel raced virtually the length of the field before squaring for Lennon who couldn't miss from close range' A minute later the young striker returned the compliment when he rolled the ball in for Buffel to fire Rangers three in front. Substitute Jeroen van den Broeck,who replaced John Fleck,made the game safe when he latched onto Buffels pass to shoot home. Team ; Reidford,McMillan,Ehiogu,Chris Smith,,Kinniburgh,Chris Burke,Furman{Kind Bendiksen 12} Fleck[van den Broeck 80},Efrem{ Little 83},Buffel,Lennon

17 goals in two games is quite impressive.

A bit late but i haven't seen anything posted on here. I see the young Belgian guy came on and got a goal,good to hear of the young guy's doing so well.

The old firm kids served up a thriller at Murray Park when they fought out a 3-3 draw. Andrew Shinnie gave the light blues the lead in 33 minutes,but Celtic were level within 60 seconds when Cawley found the net. Rangers went back into the lead three minutes into the second half when Isa Bagci scored but Celtic drew level again in 74 minutes through Santonocito. Billy Kirkwoods' boys thought they had won in 77 minute when John Fleck converted from the penalty spot. However Carey grabbed a third equalising goal for the Parkhead men and in the end a draw was a fair result. Rangers ; Gallacher,Forbes,Kinniburgh,Wilson,Harvey,Ness.Benditksson,Shinnie,Fleck,Efrem.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=494&Itemid=1 Ever since Alan Hutton was given his debut at Partick Thistle in December 2002, Rangers fans have been divided over his contribution. Is he good enough? Can he develop? Is he international class? With every passing game, the lad is answering every one of those questions with aplomb! Ever since around last November - not just since PLG left - Hutton has simply been outstanding. Consistent, strong, athletic, disciplined, good on the ball, aerially competent, decent distribution and generally developing into a top-class player. I hear off the park he has changed his lifestyle and attitude completely. Once again the lad was superb last night. Despite being isolated at times, he again dealt with Malouda very well (as he done against Chelsea) and for the most part (in the second half especially) forged a decent understanding with Brown. In only his 2nd competitive cap he already looks as if he'll be an international mainstay for years to come. Despite strong criticism over the last couple of years, when Hutton first became a regular first team player towards the end of the the 2004/05 season and the beginning of the next season Hutton looked like a player capable of doing what he's doing now. After he broke his leg he obviously lost his place, his confidence, his fitness and the backing of much of the support. Since then he has fought back well (from the injury, poor dispays and fan barracking) to find the kind of form (and more) when he first broke into the team. His reaction to us signing Phil Bardsley really appears to have focussed his mind. To his credit he's came through those challenges a better player and I think that experience will help his career even more than if it hadn't happened. To that end, there is nothing stopping the lad going to the very top if he continues his form of the last year or so. In addition to Hutton, it's great to see so many other young Scottish players eager to grasp the opportunity of not only playing for their club but the national side as well. To be a success (even in Scotland) you must have the self-belief and extra social discipline to led your life and career as constructively as possible. In the last year or so I think the likes of McGregor, Hutton, Smith and Boyd at Rangers have really shown what can be done by being professional and consistent in your performance. Guys like Naismith, Burke, Adam, Gow, Broadfoot and the younger fellas such as Fleck et al can only take heart from this kind of attitude and I'm really excited for the future of the club. Not only will we have a Scottish foundation for years to come but the foreigners we do sign to compliment them will see what genuine Scottish graft and spirit can do for their game. With the excellent Craig Gordon, Darren Fletcher, James McFadden, Scott Brown and Stephen McManus (who had one of the best games I've seen him play last night), it's not only Rangers but Scottish football generally who will profit from this new breed of exciting Scottish talent. What will the negative Scottish hacks write about now?

Team lineup: McGregor Hutton Cuellar Webster Papac Whittaker Ferguson Thomson Beasley Boyd Cousin Subs: Carroll, Novo, Naismith, Darcheville, McCulloch, Shinne, Fleck

To John Fleck who is sixteen today and is eligible for the first team. One of the most exciting young Scottish prospects for years.John has an excellent chance of being on the bench at Rugby Park tomorrow.With the under 21 rule he looks a certainty to be in the squad.It would be great if we were 3 goals up with 10 minutes left and Walter gave the lad his chance. Happy birthday wee man !!

Gers Triumph In Holland RANGERS' new-look under-19s finished their pre-season preparations by winning the prestigious Aves Andalucia Tournament in Holland on Sunday. Billy Kirkwood's young side travelled to Germany on Wednesday and spent two days in Bocholt before moving on to Doetinchem in the Netherlands to compete against some of Europe's biggest teams. The Light Blues started the tournament in fine style with a 3-1 Group B victory over Vitesse Arnhem on Friday. Recent signing Georgios Efrem was on the scoresheet in the club's opening fixture along with John Fleck who netted a double. The following day brought with it another win and Fleck and Chris Craig were to find the net in a impressive 2-0 victory over FC Twente. A Nicholas Gallacher strike earned a 1-1 draw in their third group match against Hertha BSC and this was enough to secure a place in the final against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday. AZ, who had topped a group consisting of Anderlecht, Bolton Wanderers and Hamburg SV, proved to be tough opponents but after a goalless draw the Gers' young guns held their nerves to lift the trophy after a tense penalty shoot-out. Rangers under-19s in Holland It was the perfect way to end the five-day trip for Kirkwood and the coach was delighted with his player's desire and will to win. He said: "All the boys worked really hard throughout the trip and the way they performed in the tournament was first class. "We had to play four games in the space of three days against very good teams so to come out on top was terrific and credit must be given to them all. "It was great to see them win another trophy and they thoroughly deserved it." The 19s will start their 2007/08 league campaign against Falkirk on Saturday and Billy believes that his team will be in confident mood after their tournament win. He said: "I think all the players will get a big lift from that as it was a very good tournament to be involved in. "It gave us the chance to come up against European opposition and the teams we came up against were all excellent in possession. "But we handled that very well and will go into this weekend's league opener against Falkirk with a lot of confidence." The 19s first league game of the season against Falkirk this Saturday will be played at Murray Park, kick-off 11am. Good to see the youths are continuing on the winning track

OK the season cannot come any sooner. Just read the Rangers News from front to back and wow bring it on. Already got both Champions League matches off work so here we go. The whole squad is apparently in good shape fitness wise and even the reserves coming through the ranks eg, Stevie Lennon, Dean Furman and John Fleck sound exciting. I think this could be a great season.

Don't know if I missed this when I was awol for a wee while, but not noticed it appear on here: Also Shinnie has signed a 3-year deal: Sorry if already posted.